University Undergraduate Policies Academic Probation and Suspension for Undergraduate Students 1 Admissions for Undergraduates: Twin Cities 4 Campus

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1 University Undergraduate Policies Academic Probation and Suspension for Undergraduate Students 1 Admissions for Undergraduates: Twin Cities 4 Campus Specific Credit Requirements for an Undergraduate (Baccalaureate) Degree 6 Credit and Grade Point Requirements for an Undergraduate (Baccalaureate) Degree 9 Credit for Nationally Recognized Exams for Undergraduate Students 12 Declaring and Pursuing an Undergraduate Major 15 Departmental Exams for Proficiency or Credit for Undergraduate Students 17 Faculty Responsibility in Undergraduate Advising on the Curriculum 20 High School Preparation Requirements for Undergraduates 22 Holds on Records and Registration 25 Intercollegiate Athletic Events during Study Day and Finals Weeks: Twin Cities 27 Leave of Absence and Readmission for Undergraduates 30 Promoting Timely Graduation by Undergraduates 33 Providing Mid-Term Alerts on Academic Performance 35 Transfer of Undergraduate Credit 37 Undergraduate Degrees with Distinction and Degrees with Honors 40 Undergraduate Student Learning and Development Outcomes: Twin Cities 44

2 Academic Probation and Suspension for Undergraduate Students: Twin Cities, Morris, Rochester Policy Contents Policy Statement Reason for Policy Forms/Instructions Appendices FAQ Additional Contacts Definitions Responsibilities Related Information History Effective Date: April 2009 Last Update: January 2011 Responsible University Officer: Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Policy Owner: Vice Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Education Policy Contact: Robert McMaster CONSULTED WITH: Faculty Senate Printed on: September 19, Please go to for the most current version of the Policy or related document. POLICY STATEMENT All colleges and programs will use the following rules for determining probation and suspension. Every college and campus must have a Student Scholastic Standing Committee. A. Probation 1. A student will be placed on probation (and will remain on probation) if either the term or the cumulative GPA is below A student on probation will have a hold placed on his or her record and must see an adviser in order to register. 2. Academic contract. Colleges may develop contracts specifying additional requirements that students enrolled in that college must meet to be removed from probation or to register for classes while on probation. The academic contract may include GPA expectations more rigorous than the term and cumulative GPA minimum standard, where programmatically warranted and where clearly communicated to the student. If the student meets the conditions of the contract, and the term and cumulative GPA are at least 2.000, the student will be removed from probation. Even if the contract conditions are met, the student must still meet the minimum GPA requirements of this policy. If the conditions of the contract are not met, the student will be suspended. 3. Registering while on probation. Students will be given an override for the probation hold to enable them to register when they have met with an adviser and, if a contract is required, when the student s academic adviser and college office are satisfied that the conditions of the contract have been met. B. Suspension 1. A student is suspended if a. at the end of the probation term (semester), both the term and the cumulative GPA are below 2.000, or b. the conditions of an academic contract are not fulfilled. The suspension is effective immediately. 2. Consequences of suspension. When suspended, a student is no longer in the program and cannot register for any University courses for at least one full academic year. All colleges and campuses at the University must recognize the probationary holds and will not allow students, including non-degree seeking students, with these holds to register without the approval of the college placing the hold. 3. Appealing suspension decisions. Students may appeal suspension decisions or petition for re-admission in writing to the college's Student Scholastic Standing Committee (SSSC) according to a defined collegiate petition process. Policies listed in this catalog are current as of December 12, For up-to-date information, visit Page 1

3 4. Re-admission after suspension. Re-admission after a period of suspension is not automatic. To be re-admitted, a student must show evidence of changes in circumstances that demonstrate that he or she will succeed in an academic program. 5. Returning to the college or a different college after suspension. Upon return to the college after petitioning to reenter, students will be placed on probation, and all colleges will use a probation hold and contract for the purpose of monitoring the student's performance. If the student does not successfully complete the contract, he or she will be suspended again, but then will be required to reapply for admission to a college, rather than petition to reenter. Exclusions This policy is not applicable to the Crookston or Duluth campuses. REASON FOR POLICY Units have a responsibility to identify students who are unlikely to earn degrees and terminate their enrollment. This practice preserves the resources of the unit and the student. Standardizing the eligibility criteria for academic probation and suspension allows for greater understanding and consistent application of probation and suspension across units. Students need to have clearly articulated processes for being placed on and removed from probation or suspension. PROCEDURES There are no procedures associated with this policy. FORMS/INSTRUCTIONS There are no forms associated with this policy. APPENDICES Student Services Contact Information FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 1. Can a student who is suspended enroll in courses at the University of Minnesota during the suspension period? No, students who are suspended may not enroll in courses at the University of Minnesota until their suspension is complete. At the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities the suspension period also includes not being eligible to enroll in courses offered through the College of Continuing Education (CCE). The suspension period applies to all academic terms within the suspension period, including May term and Summer Session. 2. Is a contract required for probation? No, use of a contract for probation is determined by the college or campus. A student should contact his or her college office to determine if a contract is required. 3. What is the difference between an optional probation contract and a mandatory returning after suspension contract? The optional contract for probation is just that, optional; some colleges or campuses employ these while others do not. After a student has been suspended, however, he or she must have a written contract from the college or campus outlining what performance will be necessary to return to full, unrestricted student status. ADDITIONAL CONTACTS Subject Contact Phone Fax/ Twin Cities Campus Sue Van Voorhis vanvo002@umn.edu Crookston Campus Ken Myers kmyers@crk.umn.edu Morris Campus Clare Dingley strandcd@morris.umn.edu Rochester Campus Janet Crittenden j-crit@umn.edu Policies listed in this catalog are current as of December 12, For up-to-date information, visit Page 2

4 See also Student Services Contact Information. DEFINITIONS Contract A formal, written document that specifies both the corrective action and associated timeline, and expectations of student performance. Evidence of changes in circumstances A student is able to demonstrate via a transcript that he or she is academically ready to resume work at the University of Minnesota. Probation A student is performing poorly academically and is on notice that further performance decline (or lack of improvement) will result in more severe consequences (suspension). Suspension A period of time (one year) where a student is not allowed to take any course work at the University of Minnesota. RESPONSIBILITIES There are no specified responsibilities related to this policy. RELATED INFORMATION There is no related information associated with this policy. HISTORY January Title updated to reflect that Policy applies to Undergraduate Students and remove Crookston from the policy title and scope. December Policy now applies to Crookston campus. Effective: April 2009 Policies listed in this catalog are current as of December 12, For up-to-date information, visit Page 3

5 Admissions for Undergraduates: Twin Cities Policy Contents Policy Statement Reason for Policy Forms/Instructions Appendices FAQ Additional Contacts Definitions Responsibilities Related Information History Effective Date: April 2009 Last Update: April 2009 Responsible University Officer: Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Policy Owner: Vice Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Education Policy Contact: Robert McMaster CONSULTED WITH: Faculty Senate Printed on: December 17, Please go to for the most current version of the Policy or related document. POLICY STATEMENT 1. Each college is responsible for proposing to the Admissions Office enrollment targets for the admission of New High School and New Advanced Standing students. These proposed targets are subject to the review and approval of the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost and, as appropriate, the Vice President for Health Sciences. This effort is to be coordinated by the Director of the Office of Admissions. 2. Each college will set the criteria and standards that are to be used by the Admissions Office in admitting both New High School and New Advanced Standing students to the college. These standards and criteria are subject to the review and approval of the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost and, as appropriate, the Vice President for Health Sciences. 3. Conditional admission. Each college will have a written conditional admissions policy that communicates to applicants both the matriculation and the graduation conditions that may be imposed on a student when they are admitted. Such policies apply to students new to the University, not to those transferring within the University. Exclusions a. Conditional admission to matriculate (begin taking courses toward a degree). Students are admitted subject to conditions (e.g., that they graduate from high school and others that may be imposed by the University). A student who does not meet the conditions required for admission will have his or her admission revoked. b. Conditional admission to graduate. Under circumstances established by the University and the student s admitting college, a student may be permitted to matriculate (or transfer to the University), subject to certain conditions that must be satisfied before the student will be permitted to graduate. Such graduation conditions are in addition to degree requirements and might not count toward required credits to earn a degree. This policy is not applicable to the Duluth, Crookston, Morris, and Rochester campuses. REASON FOR POLICY The colleges and campus administration work together to set enrollment targets for the admission of new high school and new advanced standing (transfer) students to the University, in order to ensure that colleges have expected numbers of numbers of students, and that University resources (housing, classrooms, curricula) are available to serve the admitted students. Additionally, the colleges establish collegiate admission criteria that the Office of Admissions uses to evaluate applicants, in order to admit applicants who can be successful in the degree programs offered by that college. This policy implements criteria and requirements for accreditation established by the Higher Learning Commission. Policies listed in this catalog are current as of December 12, For up-to-date information, visit Page 4

6 PROCEDURES There are no procedures related to this policy. FORMS/INSTRUCTIONS There are no forms related to this policy. APPENDICES There are no appendices related to this policy. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS There are no frequently asked questions related to this policy. ADDITIONAL CONTACTS Subject Contact Phone Fax/ Primary Contact(s) Robert McMaster Twin Cities Campus Rachelle Hernandez DEFINITIONS Matriculate The process by which a student accepts the University s offer for admission and indicates that he or she intends to enroll. New Advanced Standing (NAS) Students who have graduated from high school, who have enrolled in and earned credit in courses at another post secondary education institution. New High School (NHS) Students who have graduated from high school but have not previously matriculated to another post secondary institution. (They may have earned college credits while they were enrolled in high school.) RESPONSIBILITIES There are no specified responsibilities related to this policy. RELATED INFORMATION Higher Learning Commission, Criteria and Requirements for Accreditation HISTORY October 2014 Clarifications related to Higher Learning Commission accreditation requirements. April 2009 Effective: April 2009 Policies listed in this catalog are current as of December 12, For up-to-date information, visit Page 5

7 Campus Specific Credit Requirements for an Undergraduate (Baccalaureate) Degree: Twin Cities, Crookston, Morris, Rochester Policy Contents Policy Statement Reason for Policy Forms/Instructions Appendices FAQ Additional Contacts Definitions Responsibilities Related Information History Effective Date: April 2009 Last Update: July 2011 Responsible University Officer: Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Policy Owner: Vice Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Education Policy Contact: Suzanne Bardouche CONSULTED WITH: Faculty Senate Printed on: December 17, Please go to for the most current version of the Policy or related document. POLICY STATEMENT Students must complete the following minimum number of credits at the campus from which they expect to graduate before a degree will be granted. 1. To be eligible for a University undergraduate degree, a student must complete at least 30 semester credits awarded by the University campus from which he or she is seeking to graduate. 2. At least 15 credits of the last 30 credits earned prior to the awarding of a University degree, must be awarded by the University campus from which a student is seeking to graduate. 3. Students must complete at least half of upper division major work (3XXX courses or higher) on the campus from which they are seeking to graduate. Study abroad credits earned through programs sponsored by the University are considered resident credit. 4. In order to have a minor recorded on a University transcript, a student must take at least three upper division credits in the minor field at the campus from which he or she will receive the degree. Exclusions This policy is not applicable to the Duluth campus. Special Situations 1. The Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost may, under extraordinary circumstances, waive the requirements in sections 2, 3, and 4, above, but not section Colleges or campuses may, with approval of the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, establish standards higher than those set in this policy. Students must be informed of such additional requirements. 3. Students may earn a major and a minor from two different campuses. REASON FOR POLICY It is expected that students who graduate from the University will have completed a minimum amount of coursework from the University campus from which they are seeking to graduate. This requirement allows the faculty of each campus to ensure the student meets the campus and institutional standards of achievement. This policy implements criteria and requirements for accreditation established by the Higher Learning Commission. Policies listed in this catalog are current as of December 12, For up-to-date information, visit Page 6

8 PROCEDURES There are no procedures related to this policy. FORMS/INSTRUCTIONS There are no forms related to this policy. APPENDICES There are no appendices related to this policy. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Campus Specific Credit Requirements for an Undergraduate (Baccalaureate) Degree: Twin Cities, Crookston, Morris, Rochester ADDITIONAL CONTACTS Subject Contact Phone Fax/ Primary Contact(s) Suzanne Bardouche Twin Cities Campus Sue Van Voorhis Crookston Campus Ken Myers Morris Campus Judy Korn Rochester Campus Janet Crittenden j crit@umn.edu DEFINITIONS Academic Major A student's main field of specialization during his or her undergraduate or graduate studies. The major is recorded on the student's transcript. Academic Minor A student's declared secondary field of study or specialization during his or her undergraduate or graduate studies. A minor typically consists of a set of courses that meet specified guidelines and is designed to allow a sub major concentration in an academic discipline or in a specific area in or across disciplines. The minor is recorded on the student's transcript. Requirements for the major and minor The set of courses that constitute the program of study in a focused area for a particular degree program. These courses make up a portion of the University of Minnesota degree. RESPONSIBILITIES Colleges or campuses Prepare request to establish standard higher than those set in the policy. Communicate the new standards, if approved. Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Consider collegiate or campus requests on higher standards and communicate the decision. RELATED INFORMATION Administrative Policy: Credit and Grade Point Requirements for an Undergraduate (Baccalaureate) Degree: Twin Cities, Crookston, Morris, Rochester Administrative Policy: Expected Student Academic Work per Credit Higher Learning Commission, Criteria and Requirements for Accreditation HISTORY October 2014 Clarifications related to Higher Learning Commission accreditation requirements. Policies listed in this catalog are current as of December 12, For up-to-date information, visit Page 7

9 December 2009 Policy now applies to Crookston. Effective: April 2009 Policies listed in this catalog are current as of December 12, For up-to-date information, visit Page 8

10 Credit and Grade Point Requirements for an Undergraduate (Baccalaureate) Degree: Twin Cities, Crookston, Morris, Rochester Policy Contents Policy Statement Reason for Policy Forms/Instructions Appendices FAQ Additional Contacts Definitions Responsibilities Related Information History Effective Date: April 2009 Last Update: March 2013 Responsible University Officer: Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Policy Owner: Vice Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Education Policy Contact: Suzanne Bardouche CONSULTED WITH: Faculty Senate Printed on: September 19, Please go to for the most current version of the Policy or related document. POLICY STATEMENT 1. Degrees are awarded by the Regents of the University on recommendation of the faculty, not by colleges or departments or campuses. The University sets degree requirements and standards, but departments, colleges, and campuses have the delegated authority to determine the requirements and standards related to programs and majors, so long as they are consistent with this policy. 2. All credit awarded by the University, regardless of the campus or type of instruction, must be recognized by all University campuses, must appear on the transcript, and must count toward the requirements for the degree (subject to the requirements and standards established by departments, colleges, and campuses). In some cases, a student may accumulate credits that, while recognized by the University, are in excess of what may be required for the degree program in which he or she is enrolled. 3. Students may not earn two baccalaureate degrees in the same major (e.g. B.A. and B.S. in Economics) from any campus(es) of the University. 4. A student fulfilling requirements for two majors within different degree structures (e.g., one B.A. and one B.S) may earn two degrees. The student must complete all additional requirements for the degree, beyond completion of the major (e.g., the language requirement for the B.A. degree). 5. Baccalaureate degrees require a minimum of 120 semester credits. College/campus approval is required for any baccalaureate degree programs that require more than 120 credits. Academic units that propose baccalaureate degree programs requiring more than 132 credits must also receive approval from the appropriate chancellor or provost in consultation with the Senate Committee on Educational Policy. 6. The accumulation of 120 or more credits, without meeting requirements and standards set out in this policy and by departments, colleges, and campuses, does not entitle a student to a degree. 7. Requirements regarding breadth of study (i.e., liberal education requirements) and other campus-wide graduation standards must be approved by the faculty governing body for that campus. 8. Limits on use of S/N grades (see Administrative Policy: Grading and Transcripts for definitions of S and N). a. The maximum proportion of University S/N credits permitted within the total University credits in the degree is 25%. b. [Twin Cities only] No unit will allow S/N grading in major course work unless the S/N grading system is preset by the unit for specific courses. c. [Twin Cities only] For a student who completes only the minimum number of Policies listed in this catalog are current as of December 12, For up-to-date information, visit Page 9

11 30 credits at the University, no more than 8 of the 30 credits may be taken S/N. d. [Twin Cities only] Subject to the overall University policy contained in 8a, above, colleges, campuses, and programs may specify what courses or proportion of courses taken by its students or its prospective students must be on the A-F or S-N grading system. 9. [Twin Cities and Rochester only] D grades are not permitted in major or minor courses. Required courses for the major or minor in which a student receives a D grade (with or without plus or minus) do not count toward the major or minor (including transfer courses). All other courses, including courses in the major or minor field that are not required to complete the major or minor, will count toward a degree if the student earns a D or better. 10. (Morris only) No more than 8 credits in Music Ensembles, Mus 1300 through Mus 1340, no more than 4 credits in SSA 12xx skills courses, no more than 4 credits Varsity Athletics, SSA 14xx, and no more than 32 credits of IS 3796, 3896, 3996 may be applied to the 120 credit degree requirement. 11. GPA requirement for graduation. A student who is admitted to a degree program or major and who completes all requirements of the degree, with a cumulative GPA of at least in University of Minnesota coursework, will be allowed to earn a degree. The cumulative GPA is based on only University of Minnesota course work. No academic unit may impose additional grade point standards or conditions to graduate. Exclusions This policy is not applicable to the Duluth campus. REASON FOR POLICY The policy establishes a minimum consistent standard that all undergraduate students must reach in order to earn an undergraduate degree. The standard applies across the University system and is intended to ensure that students have a strong foundation for their future endeavors. This policy supports the University of Minnesota mission of teaching and learning. Departments, colleges and campuses are empowered to determine the requirements and standards related to their degree programs and their majors and minors, but these must be consistent with the University's policy standards. PROCEDURES There are no procedures associated with this policy. FORMS/INSTRUCTIONS There are no forms associated with this policy. APPENDICES There are no appendices related to this policy. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Credit and Grade Point Requirements for an Undergraduate (Baccalaureate) Degree FAQ ADDITIONAL CONTACTS Subject Contact Phone Fax/ Primary Contact(s) Suzanne Bardouche bardouch@umn.edu Twin Cities Campus Sue Van Voorhis vanvo002@umn.edu Crookston Campus Ken Myers kmyers@crk.umn.edu Morris Campus Clare Dingley strandcd@morris.umn.edu Rochester Campus Janet Crittenden j-crit@umn.edu Policies listed in this catalog are current as of December 12, For up-to-date information, visit Page 10

12 DEFINITIONS Academic Major A student's main field of specialization during his or her undergraduate or graduate studies. The major is recorded on the student's transcript. Academic Minor A student's declared secondary field of study or specialization during his or her undergraduate or graduate studies. A minor typically consists of a set of courses that meet specified guidelines and is designed to allow a sub-major concentration in an academic discipline or in a specific area in or across disciplines. The minor is recorded on the student's transcript. Baccalaureate Degree An academic degree conferred by a college or university upon those who complete the undergraduate curriculum. Also called bachelor's degree. Degree Structure The type of baccalaureate degree. Most baccalaureate degrees offered at the University of Minnesota are within the bachelor of arts (B.A.) structure or the bachelor of science (B.S.) structure. However, degrees are also offered within other structures such as the Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) or Bachelor of Science in Business (B.S.B.). Requirements for the Major and Minor The set of courses that constitute the program of study in a focused area for a particular degree program. These courses make up a portion of the University of Minnesota degree. RESPONSIBILITIES Colleges or campuses Prepare request to establish standards higher than those set in the policy. Communicate the new standards, if approved. Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Consider collegiate or campus requests on higher standards and communicate the decision. RELATED INFORMATION Administrative Policy: Campus Specific Credit Requirements for an Undergraduate (Baccalaureate) Degree: Twin Cities, Crookston, Morris, Rochester HISTORY March Minor Revision, Comprehensive Review. 1. Clarifies that a student may not earn two degrees in the same major. 2. Specifies that the minimum GPA requirement of 2.0 must be earned from the courses taken at the University of Minnesota. Transfer credits from other universities will not be used in this calculation. June Major Revision, Comprehensive Review: 1. Specifies that Ds will not be allowed in courses required for the minor, which has been the current practice on the Twin Cities campus. 2. Clarifies that this rule applies to Rochester as well. August Major Revision, Comprehensive Review: Eliminates the skills requirements for the Twin Cities, Crookston, and Rochester, to allow students choices as to how to use their electives. There are sufficient other controls in place to ensure that an undergraduate degree does not have an excess of electives. December Policy now applies to Crookston. Effective: April 2009 Policies listed in this catalog are current as of December 12, For up-to-date information, visit Page 11

13 Credit for Nationally Recognized Exams for Undergraduate Students: Twin Cities, Crookston, Morris, Rochester Policy Contents Policy Statement Reason for Policy Forms/Instructions Appendices FAQ Additional Contacts Definitions Responsibilities Related Information History Effective Date: May 2011 Last Update: December 2014 Responsible University Officer: Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Policy Owner: Vice Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Education Policy Contact: Suzanne Bardouche CONSULTED WITH: Faculty Senate Printed on: December 17, Please go to for the most current version of the Policy or related document. POLICY STATEMENT Students will be awarded credits based on nationally recognized examinations (Advanced Placement [AP] program, the International Baccalaureate [IB] program, and the College Level Examination Program [CLEP]) when they meet the minimum standards for the campus awarding the credit. These credits awarded become applicable to a University of Minnesota degree program or certificate program only after the student has been admitted and enrolled as a degree seeking student or admitted to the certificate program. Academic unit authorities on each campus have discretion to establish the minimum standards for awarding credits for nationally recognized examinations. In determining those standards, academic unit authorities evaluate the material in the nationally recognized examination. If the material is judged to be substantially similar to that of an existing course, credit will be awarded for that specific course. If the material is judged to be of college level but not substantially similar to an existing course, the academic unit may assign general departmental credits. REASON FOR POLICY To provide the opportunity for enrolled undergraduate students to receive credits for nationally recognized exams when the minimum standards, as determined by academic unit authorities, have been met. This policy implements criteria and requirements for accreditation established by the Higher Learning Commission. PROCEDURES There are no procedures associated with this policy. FORMS/INSTRUCTIONS UM 1787 Review of Advanced Placement Course Award (DOCX) Note: This form was designed for the Twin Cities Campus. Other campuses can adapt it to their processes if they so choose. APPENDICES There are no appendices associated with this policy. Policies listed in this catalog are current as of December 12, For up-to-date information, visit Page 12

14 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 1. Who determines the minimum standard to receive credit for a nationally recognized exam? On the Twin Cities, Duluth, Crookston, and Rochester campuses, the minimum standard to receive credit for a nationally recognized exam is determined by the appropriate academic department or unit. On the Morris campus, the Scholastic Committee determines the minimum standard. On the Crookston Campus, the academic department recommends the minimum standard to the Standards and Policy Committee, which then recommends to the Faculty Assembly for final approval. 2. Which students are eligible to receive credit for nationally recognized exams? Only students who have been admitted as degree seeking undergraduates at the University of Minnesota and have a student status of enrolled are eligible to receive credit for nationally recognized exams. Enrolled does not refer to the student s registration status, but is a term used for students who have been admitted to the University and have matriculated. Students who have been admitted to the University but have not accepted an offer of enrollment are not eligible to receive credit for nationally recognized exams. High school students who are enrolled through the Post Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) program are not eligible to receive credit for nationally recognized exams while they are enrolled as PSEO students. However, if they apply, are admitted, and matriculate as degree seeking undergraduates at the University of Minnesota, they are then eligible to receive credit for nationally recognized exams. 3. When are the credits for AP and IB exams awarded? Students must have completed the AP and IB nationally recognized examinations before they begin their studies as degree seeking undergraduate students at the University of Minnesota. Approved credits for AP will appear in a student s degree audit upon the University s official receipt of official AP test scores; students are notified of approved AP credit totals after they have been admitted to the University. IB credits are awarded after a student has been admitted to the University. ADDITIONAL CONTACTS Subject Contact Phone Fax/ Primary Contact(s) Suzanne Bardouche bardouch@umn.edu Twin Cities Campus Tina Falkner rovic001@umn.edu Crookston Campus Ken Myers kmyers@crk.umn.edu Duluth Campus Carla Boyd cboyd@d.umn.edu Morris Campus Clare Dingley strandcd@morris.umn.edu Rochester Campus Janet Crittenden j crit@umn.edu DEFINITIONS Academic unit authority The academic college, department, or committee responsible for determining the minimum standards required to receive credit for a nationally recognized exam. Academic department The unit on campus offering coursework that is the same or substantially similar to the subject area of the nationally recognized exam. Matriculate The process by which a student accepts the University s offer for admission and indicates that he or she intends to enroll. Minimum standard The minimum exam score a student must earn in order to receive University credit for a nationally recognized exam. Nationally recognized exam Exams overseen by an independent organization (e.g., College Board) that determines the national standard for the exams content and scores. Policies listed in this catalog are current as of December 12, For up-to-date information, visit Page 13

15 RESPONSIBILITIES Academic unit authority (academic departments on the Twin Cities, Duluth, and Rochester campuses; Scholastic Committee on the Morris campus; Academic Standards and Policy Committee on the Crookston campus) Determine the minimum standards (i.e., exam score) to receive credit for a nationally recognized exam. Office of Admissions (Twin Cities, Duluth, Crookston, and Rochester); Scholastic Committee in cooperation with the Office of the Registrar, Morris) Oversee the administrative process for nationally recognized exams. RELATED INFORMATION Higher Learning Commission, Criteria and Requirements for Accreditation Twin Cities Advanced Placement International Baccalaureate College Level Examination Crookston Advanced Placement International Baccalaureate College Level Examination Duluth Advanced Placement International Baccalaureate College Level Examination Morris Advanced Placement International Baccalaureate College Level Examination Rochester Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and College Level Examination HISTORY October 2014 Clarifications related to Higher Learning Commission accreditation requirements. March 2014 Comprehensive Review, Minor Revision Clarifies that an individual must be in a U of M degree program to be awarded these types of credits. Effective: May 2011 New Policy, Comprehensive Review. Specifies the authority for awarding credits for nationally recognized exams. Defines where the credit will be applied (either as equivalent to an existing course, or as general departmental credits.) Supercedes: Examinations for Credit and Proficiency (Senate Policy) Policies listed in this catalog are current as of December 12, For up-to-date information, visit Page 14

16 Declaring and Pursuing an Undergraduate Major: Twin Cities, Crookston, Morris, Rochester Policy Contents Policy Statement Reason for Policy Forms/Instructions Appendices FAQ Additional Contacts Definitions Responsibilities Related Information History Effective Date: April 2009 Last Update: June 2012 Responsible University Officer: Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Policy Owner: Vice Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Education Policy Contact: Suzanne Bardouche CONSULTED WITH: Faculty Senate Printed on: September 19, Please go to for the most current version of the Policy or related document. POLICY STATEMENT All degree-seeking undergraduate students are required to declare a major or be admitted into a program before or upon the completion of 60 semester credits. Once a student has completed 60 credits, or earlier if programmatically warranted, an adviser hold will be placed on the student s record, preventing the student from registering for additional classes until the student has declared a major or been admitted to a program. 1. Colleges determine the process by which students declare a major or gain admission to a degree program. 2. Departments set the academic standards for declaring and being allowed to enter a major in the field. 3. Department standards are subject to college review and approval. Department, college and campus standards for declaring a major are subject to review and approval by the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost or the Vice President for Health Sciences, as appropriate. Exclusions This policy is not applicable to the Duluth campus. REASON FOR POLICY Undergraduate degree-seeking students are admitted to the University to pursue an undergraduate degree. The University expects students to complete their degrees in a timely manner, and declaring a major is a fundamental part of this progression. This policy exists to promote timely intervention by advisers that will guide students toward majors that suit their talents and interests. To make the best use of students resources, as well as University resources, students are not allowed to continue registering for courses indefinitely without having a formal plan for completing a degree. PROCEDURES There are no procedures related to this policy. FORMS/INSTRUCTIONS There are no forms related to this policy. APPENDICES Policies listed in this catalog are current as of December 12, For up-to-date information, visit Page 15

17 Changing college or major page on One Stop FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Declaring an Undergraduate Major: Twin Cities, Crookston, Morris, Rochester FAQ ADDITIONAL CONTACTS Subject Contact Phone Fax/ Primary Contact(s) Suzanne Bardouche Twin Cities Campus Sue Van Voorhis Crookston Campus Ken Myers Morris Campus Clare Dingley Rochester Campus Janet Crittenden DEFINITIONS Academic Major A student's main field of specialization during his or her undergraduate or graduate studies. The major is recorded on the student's transcript. Academic Minor A student's declared secondary field of study or specialization during his or her undergraduate or graduate studies. A minor typically consists of a set of courses that meet specified guidelines and is designed to allow a sub-major concentration in an academic discipline or in a specific area in or across disciplines. The minor is recorded on the student's transcript. RESPONSIBILITIES There are no responsibilities related to this policy. RELATED INFORMATION Administrative Policy: Holds on Records and Registration: Twin Cities, Crookston, Morris, Rochester HISTORY June Major Revision, Comprehensive Review, Policy now specifically states that an advisor hold may be placed on a student record, even prior to the completion of 60 credits if the student is not satisfactorily progressing toward a degree. January Title modified to "Declaring an Undergraduate Major" from "Declaring a Major". August Added questions 2-4 to Frequently Asked Questions. December Policy now applies to Crookston. Effective: April 2009 Policies listed in this catalog are current as of December 12, For up-to-date information, visit Page 16

18 Departmental Exams for Proficiency or Credit for Undergraduate Students: Twin Cities, Crookston, Morris, Rochester Policy Contents Policy Statement Reason for Policy Forms/Instructions Appendices FAQ Additional Contacts Definitions Responsibilities Related Information History Effective Date: May 2011 Last Update: March 2014 Responsible University Officer: Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Policy Owner: Vice Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Education Policy Contact: Suzanne Bardouche CONSULTED WITH: Faculty Senate Printed on: December 17, Please go to for the most current version of the Policy or related document. POLICY STATEMENT Academic departments have the discretion to offer exams to either demonstrate proficiency or earn course credit. The format of these exams is at the department's discretion (e.g., final examination, oral tests, written papers or projects). No department is required to offer exams for proficiency or credit. Eligibility for such exams is limited to currently enrolled, undergraduate, degree seeking students. Departments may establish further eligibility criteria for an exam for proficiency or credit. A student may not take an exam for credit for a course he or she has already completed for any grade basis (i.e., A F, S N, or AUD [audit] status) at the University of Minnesota. Exam to demonstrate proficiency A departmental exam for proficiency may be used to fulfill prerequisites for advanced courses or satisfy other requirements. An exam for proficiency does not yield any course credit or grade. The academic department giving the examination will determine the minimum standards for successful completion of an exam for proficiency. Exam to earn course credit A departmental exam for credit may be used to earn credit for a course. The academic department giving the examination will determine the minimum standards for successful completion of an exam for credit. Credit(s) earned by departmental exam do not earn grade point average (GPA) points and are reflected only within the student's cumulative credit totals on the transcript (not within the term in which the student completed the exam). Credit(s) earned by departmental exam count in the credit total, but do not count toward the minimum number of credits students must earn at the campus from which they are seeking a degree. Special situations On the Morris campus, the Scholastic Committee serves in the role of the academic department and has all related responsibilities. REASON FOR POLICY Departments may wish to have a means of allowing students to demonstrate existing proficiency in a subject without requiring the student to complete coursework. Policies listed in this catalog are current as of December 12, For up-to-date information, visit Page 17

19 PROCEDURES Notating a Special Exam for Proficiency or Credit on the Transcript Requesting and Posting a Credit by Special Examination Fee Requesting Approval to Take an Exam for Proficiency or Credit FORMS/INSTRUCTIONS Request for departmental examination for proficiency or credit (Twin Cities) (PDF) Request for special examination (Morris) (PDF) Request for special examinations (Crookston) (PDF) Request for special examination room APPENDICES There are no appendices associated with this policy. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 1. Who may take an examination for credit or proficiency? Only students who have been admitted to the University of Minnesota as degreeseeking undergraduate students and have a student status of "enrolled" are eligible to take an examination for credit or proficiency. "Enrolled" does not refer to the student's registration status, but is a term used for students who have been admitted to the University and have matriculated. Students who have been admitted to the University but have not accepted an offer of enrollment are not eligible. High School students who are enrolled through the Postsecondary Enrollment Option (PSEO) program are not eligible for these exams while they are enrolled as PSEO students. However, if they apply, are admitted, and matriculate as degree seeking undergraduates at the University of Minnesota, they are then eligible to take an exam for credit or proficiency. 2. Who determines whether or not to offer an examination for credit or proficiency? On the Twin Cities, Duluth, Crookston, and Rochester campuses, the decision to offer such an examination is made by the academic department or unit offering the course or subject for which the student is seeking examination. On the Morris campus, the Scholastic Committee has the authority to grant an examination for credit; examinations for proficiency are granted by the academic department. 3. If a student does not pass an exam for credit or proficiency, is this notated on the student's transcript? No; only successful exam completions are notated on students' transcripts. ADDITIONAL CONTACTS Subject Contact Phone Fax/ Primary Contact(s) Suzanne Bardouche bardouch@umn.edu Twin Cities Campus Tina Falkner rovic001@umn.edu Crookston Campus Ken Myers kmyers@crk.umn.edu Duluth Campus Carla Boyd cboyd@d.umn.edu Morris Campus Clare Dingley strandcd@morris.umn.edu Rochester Campus Janet Crittenden j crit@umn.edu DEFINITIONS Academic department The unit on campus offering course work that is the same or substantially similar to the subject area of the exam. Currently enrolled undergraduate degree seeking students Students who have been admitted to a University of Minnesota undergraduate degree Policies listed in this catalog are current as of December 12, For up-to-date information, visit Page 18

20 program and who have matriculated. Campus specific credit requirements The minimum number of credits students must complete at the campus from which they expect to graduate before a degree will be granted. RESPONSIBILITIES Academic departments (Twin Cities, Duluth, Crookston, and Rochester) Determine whether or not to make available to students an exam for credit or proficiency. Determine the format and scoring of the exam. Colleges (Twin Cities, Duluth, Crookston, and Rochester) Determine whether or not successful completion of the exam will apply to the student's degree program. Request the credit by special exam fee as part of the annual budget process. Scholastic Committee (Morris) Determine whether or not to make available to students an exam for credit or proficiency. Determine whether or not successful completion of the exam will apply to the student's degree program. Office of the Registrar (All campuses) Appropriately notate on students' transcripts any successful completion of a departmental exam for proficiency or credit. RELATED INFORMATION Special Examinations on Morris Campus Administrative Policy: Campus Specific Credit Requirements for an Undergraduate (Baccalaureate) Degree: Twin Cities, Crookston, Morris, Rochester HISTORY March 2014 Comprehensive Review, Minor Revision 1. Clarifies that student must be enrolled in a program to be eligible for these exams. 2. Emphasizes that it is the department's choice as to whether or not to offer departmental exams for proficiency or credit. Effective: May 2011 Replaces Senate Policy: Examinations for Credit and Proficiency. Clarifies who is eligible to take a departmental exam for proficiency or credit. Defines key terms to provide clarity for the reader. Supercedes: Examinations for Credit and Proficiency Policies listed in this catalog are current as of December 12, For up-to-date information, visit Page 19

21 Faculty Responsibility in Undergraduate Advising on the Curriculum: Twin Cities, Crookston, Morris, Rochester Policy Contents Policy Statement Reason for Policy Forms/Instructions Appendices FAQ Additional Contacts Definitions Responsibilities Related Information History Effective Date: April 2009 Last Update: December 2009 Responsible University Officer: Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Policy Owner: Vice Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Education Policy Contact: Robert McMaster CONSULTED WITH: Faculty Senate Printed on: December 17, Please go to for the most current version of the Policy or related document. POLICY STATEMENT The faculty in each unit are responsible for ensuring that there is an effective advising process. The faculty of every unit will collectively determine the mechanisms by which faculty members will be involved in advising students and will periodically review the effectiveness of that process. In some units faculty may choose to be directly involved in advising or may share that responsibility with appropriately trained academic professionals, graduate students, or peers. The faculty of each unit must assist in and cooperate with the advising process as appropriate and are responsible for providing timely information about the curriculum and student performance to advisers. The faculty should encourage students to take advantage of opportunities provided by the advising process to broaden, intensify, and integrate their educational experience. Exclusions This policy is not applicable to the Duluth campus. REASON FOR POLICY Advising is an important component of the educational enterprise, and expectations for faculty and students regarding advising should be clearly outlined. PROCEDURES There are no procedures related to this policy. FORMS/INSTRUCTIONS There are no forms related to this policy. APPENDICES There are no appendices related to this policy. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS There are no frequently asked questions related to this policy. Policies listed in this catalog are current as of December 12, For up-to-date information, visit Page 20